It Is Bad Luck to Give Shoes as a Gift

Symbolic separation through footwear gifting

Details

According to widespread belief across multiple cultural traditions—including Chinese, Thai, Italian, and German communities—giving shoes as a gift brings misfortune, especially concerning relationships. The superstition holds that giving shoes symbolically enables the recipient to “walk away” from the giver, which may lead to breakups, emotional distancing, or weakened ties. While the superstition applies across relationships, it is especially significant in romantic contexts, where giving shoes may be seen as foreshadowing a breakup.

To neutralize the ill effects, many traditions advise specific remedial actions. The recipient can offer a coin to the giver, thus transforming the gift into a symbolic “purchase” and avoiding the curse of separation. In some versions, shoelaces should be gifted separately or left out entirely. Other beliefs suggest that reciting specific phrases or framing the gift carefully can help prevent the superstition from taking effect.

Historical Context

This gifting taboo has rich and varied origins across cultures:

In Chinese tradition, the word for “shoe” (鞋 xié) sounds similar to the word for “evil” (邪 xié), which contributes to the negative association.
Thai customs interpret shoe-gifting as bad luck, particularly within romantic relationships, due to its symbolism of parting.
In Italy and parts of Germany, the superstition also connects shoes to movement and departure, reinforcing their association with separation.
These beliefs developed independently but reflect a common symbolic logic: because shoes enable physical movement and leaving, they are metaphorically linked to emotional or relational departure.

Comparable superstitions exist around giving knives or scissors, which “cut” relationships.

Modern Relevance

This superstition maintains practical influence in regions where it is culturally embedded. In China and Thailand, gift buyers and retailers are often aware of the tradition. Some shoe stores provide coins to customers gifting shoes, allowing the recipient to “pay” for the gift symbolically. Online gift-giving guides and etiquette books commonly mention the superstition, especially for cross-cultural understanding in international settings.

Despite widespread secularization and increasing skepticism of superstition, the gifting taboo persists through family traditions, romantic caution, and its strong metaphorical resonance. It continues to shape both consumer behavior and personal rituals, particularly in culturally traditional households or ceremonial gifting situations.

Sources

Opie, I., & Tatem, M. (2005). A Dictionary of Superstitions. Oxford University Press.
Dundes, A. (1999). International Folkloristics: Classic Contributions by the Founders of Folklore. Rowman & Littlefield.

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